2ebed23e-2713-4438-b52b-7c3b1abc73bdGresham, Smith and Partners, Boyle Investment Company and LifeWay Christian Resources were honored last week with the Private Large Project Award and People’s Choice Award at Urban Land Institute (ULI) Nashville’s 10th Anniversary Excellence in Development Awards Gala. The winning project was LifeWay’s new 277,000-square-foot GS&P-designed corporate headquarters, located on 2.5 acres in Nashville’s Capitol View district. A jury with representatives from Toronto, Texas and Cleveland evaluated projects on financial stability and performance; high standards of excellence in land use, design, construction and sustainability; and added-value elements such as community contextualism, economic impact and promotion of healthy lifestyles.

“LifeWay’s new headquarters has transformed the company in a vital time of change in their industry,” said Steve Johnson, AIA, executive vice president at Gresham, Smith and Partners. “It celebrates the company’s culture and honors the core beliefs that will always be at their foundation, while introducing new spaces and tools that propel them forward as an innovative leader at the top of their industry. It also adds a high-value building to one of Nashville’s most important new communities, spurring future growth and activity. Our team is proud to have been part of this exceptional project and is honored to be recognized by the broader design and development community.”

GS&P provided architecture, interior design, branded environments, environmental graphics/wayfinding, and workplace strategy services for the development that is home to approximately 1,100 LifeWay employees. It features an open floorplan geared toward activity-based working, with a conference space large enough to accommodate 700 people as well as theater-style seating and pre-function/breakout spaces. Both historical elements and modern video technology clearly communicate the LifeWay’s Christian values and story – past, present and future. Warm, welcoming materials and abundant natural light create a positive, energetic environment.

ULI Nashville provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide, through bringing leaders together, facilitating collaboration, exploring interdisciplinary land use and development issues, serving as a trusted advisor, sharing knowledge and best practices, and creating a global network with local impact.

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“Both David and I are outdoorsmen, so we wanted to bring an element of nature to each floor of the project and make the entire space a place where people want to be, not just look at,” said Brian Hubbard, AIA, architect at Gresham, Smith and Partners. “We used humble materials that are contextual to the site and that fit within the residential aesthetic without sacrificing the exterior glass craved by many office tenants. Our team applied a high level of care and attention to every element of the project, with a real focus on user experience. I believe it’s the unexpected features – like a luxury motor court, an offset core that provide tenants with greater layout flexibility, and interoperable glass doors on each floor that connect to the outdoors – that will set this building apart.”

“As Nashville’s rapid growth continues, we recognize that the most successful communities have a complete mix of uses including residential, office and retail,” commented David W. Creed, Creed Investment Company. “Class-A office space was something that was missing in this very dense, urban area of Midtown, so we’re excited to fulfill that need by creating an inviting space for building tenants, neighborhood residents, and visitors. GS&P’s design insight, as well as their knowledge of walkable, mixed-use projects and rezoning regulations, has been invaluable throughout the planning and design process. They’ve been able to collaborate with the city and marry everyone’s wishes to make the project work. We look forward to beginning construction and welcoming tenants into this dynamic, top-quality space.”

GS&P’s Corporate and Urban Design expertise has been honed with decades of project experience and continues to be a cornerstone service. The firm’s recent office projects include LifeWay Christian Resources’ new 277,000-square-foot headquarters in downtown Nashville, a 204,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and 15,000-square-foot connector currently under construction in Franklin, Tenn., for Ramsey Solutions, and the award-winning 16-story 1100 Charlotte Avenue office tower in downtown Nashville.]]>Wed, 02 May 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreshamSmithAndPartnersNewsCorporateUrbanDesign/~3/Zc6SLEQde68/creed-investment-company-unveils-gs-amp-p-39-s-moo
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“We were privileged to use our courthouse design experience on this new center for Rutherford County,” commented Steve Johnson, AIA, executive vice president at Gresham, Smith and Partners. “Secure design was the first priority for the facility, which features zonal planning to separate judicial officials, defendants and the public as they circulate throughout the building. Replacing an overcrowded judicial center and expanding the courts’ current capacity, the RCJC was created to support the county through its next 30 years of growth. We believe this facility will be a driver for future development in Murfreesboro, setting a precedent for projects of a larger scale in the historic downtown area.”

“GS&P’s design team collaborated seamlessly with our staff to understand the functional requirements of the space, working hard to optimize security and circulation,” said Mayor Ernest Burgess. “But just as importantly, they listened to Murfreesboro residents who were very interested in linking the judicial center to the fabric of the community. The facility embraces its surroundings and offers a much-needed public space in downtown, perfect for lunch breaks and community gatherings. It’s a new icon for our city and we are honored to call it home.”

The six-story building houses 12 individual courtrooms, with additional capacity to grow to 16 courtrooms. An entrance pavilion embedded with a terraced public plaza serves as a counterpoint to the Civic Plaza at the southern end of Maple Street. A vaulted ceiling extends the central form of the exterior and embraces a traditional color found in the domed ceiling of the nearby City Hall. Clerestory windows provide ample daylight and accentuate the transition from security into a double-height central lobby accented by vaulted ceilings and red-brick masonry piers that also complement the building’s exterior aesthetic. Reducing the load on public elevators, a monumental stair links the lobby to the high-volume courtrooms and clerks’ offices on the first two floors.

The annual Edgar Powers, Jr., Memorial Award, which recognizes one or more employees who demonstrate leadership in incorporating technical tools to support GS&P's practice-led business model, was presented to Brian Hubbard, AIA. Hubbard is an architect and virtual reality (VR) technology leader who joined the firm’s Nashville office in 2011. His passion for next-generation design has helped him spearhead the adoption of visualization tools including Lumion and Enscape. As a go-to VR resource for the firm’s architectural practice, Hubbard is dedicated to maximizing the benefits of immersive technology for GS&P’s clients and design teams.

The annual Sustainability Leadership Award, which recognizes a GS&P employee or employees who excel at fostering the firm’s commitment to a clean, safe and healthy environment, was presented to GS&P’s accounting department and information technology (IT) department. Newell Lawson, a senior manager of finance and accounting who joined GS&P’s Nashville office in 2016, and Fred Bartrom, a client technology manager who joined GS&P’s Nashville office in 1990, accepted the award on behalf of the two departments. Their groups collaborated on a variety of paperless initiatives that significantly improved the firm’s operations, including on-demand printing and electronic distribution of billing packages. The accounting department alone has decreased its paper consumption by 38% since implementing PaperCut five months ago.

The annual Community Impact Award recognizes an employee who has positively impacted his or her community and possesses stand-out leadership, passion, self-motivation and commitment to service. This year’s award was presented to Krystal Reid, AIA, an architect who joined GS&P’s Richmond office in 2017. When Reid recognized that the City of Richmond’s CANstruction program had lost traction, she organized a group of local architecture and engineering communities to restore the program. As a result of her efforts, the city was able to raise more than $19,000. With that money, 16,332 pounds of purchased food and $4,755 was donated to FeedMore, Central Virginia’s core hunger-relief organization.

Additionally, it was announced that 21 projects will be featured in Showcase 11, the firm’s eleventh annual collection of internally-nominated, externally-judged projects highlighting a variety of disciplines and markets. Projects were judged for their complexity, innovation, social and environmental responsibility, and client satisfaction and success. Showcase 11 stories, images and videos will be unveiled later this year.]]>Fri, 13 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreshamSmithAndPartnersNewsCorporateUrbanDesign/~3/KjjEm7uD1Bw/gs-amp-p-celebrates-people,-projects-and-practice
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"Whether he’s designing a healthcare facility focused on improving the patient experience, or giving back to our community through industry and civic involvement, Erik consistently strives for excellence and seeks to contribute to the vitality of our Jacksonville community,” commented Matt Harrell, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP, division vice president, Gresham, Smith and Partners. “Not only do I congratulate Erik on this honor, but I thank him for his commitment to GS&P’s clients, the leadership he provides to his peers and his service to his city.”

As an architect in the firm’s Jacksonville Healthcare studio, Higgins performs work on healthcare projects that enhance the quality of care and operational efficiencies while also elevating the patient experience. During his 12 years at GS&P, he has worked with a variety of client types including UF Health, Baptist Health and 121 Financial Credit Union. He was instrumental in the success of the UF Health North 92-bed inpatient tower, a project that was honored by the IIDA North Florida chapter, and the new 121 Financial Credit Union Headquarters. He has also served as a firmwide technology champion, streamlining GS&P’s process for detailing in building information modeling (BIM) software.

In addition to his work at GS&P, Higgins is actively involved in the industry and community. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and serves on the Jacksonville chapter Board of Directors. Additionally, Higgins serves on the Board of Directors for Downtown Vision, Inc., using his architecture experience to help improve Jacksonville’s urban core.]]>Wed, 28 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreshamSmithAndPartnersNewsCorporateUrbanDesign/~3/ab3VGuDXQmc/gs-amp-p-rsquo-s-erik-higgins-named-among-jacksonv
http://www.greshamsmith.com/GetImage/fad51266-a202-4b02-8d40-7f736e595022Newshttps://www.greshamsmith.com/news/awards/gs-amp-p-rsquo-s-erik-higgins-named-among-jacksonv?feed=corporate6aa2d7b4-3ebf-4ac6-befb-d2683a204beeth year in a row, NBJ’s Women of Influence program recognizes women who are shaping their companies, improving the city’s business community and paving the way for the next generation of influential female leaders.

“Kelly is truly a star in Nashville’s corporate real estate industry, where architects and designers sometimes take a back seat to developers,” said Steve Johnson, AIA, executive vice president at Gresham, Smith and Partners. “In a little more than a year, she’s been promoted to vice president of GS&P’s Corporate + Urban Design division in Nashville, she was appointed to chair the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership 2020 Economic Development Committee, and she was appointed to NAIOP Nashville’s Board of Directors. Kelly also continues to thrive in her roles focused on business development, operations, client service and staff development. Her relationships across the industry are far-reaching, and she is highly respected as a key player in Nashville’s development scene. She is exceptionally deserving of this honor.”

“I strive to be well-versed in the issues and trends that are shaping Nashville’s future and I work hard to be a trustworthy, reliable resource to my clients and my team,” commented Hodges. “My real passion is building strong teams that are then able to help companies and communities be successful. I don’t see my role as being confined within the walls of GS&P. All of the work we do is with the intention of creating vibrant, healthy, progressive communities. I think that being mindful of one’s impact on the broader community is the true mark of an influential leader.”

During her 17 years at GS&P, Hodges has worked with numerous Middle Tennessee clients, including Jackson National, the State of Tennessee, Ramsey Solutions and Schneider Electric. She is an active member of the Tennessee chapters of corporate real estate development associations CoreNet Global and NAIOP and is an alumni of the Young Leaders Council.]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreshamSmithAndPartnersNewsCorporateUrbanDesign/~3/0RD9UjdOfYY/kelly-knight-hodges-named-to-nashville-business-jo
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“We are fortunate to have talented young professionals like John at GS&P,” commented Al Pramuk, chairman and chief executive officer, Gresham, Smith and Partners. “We are proud that TSPE is honoring the hard work and dedication we see from him every day. John is an exceptional young leader who exemplifies our firm’s commitment to professional and community organizations.”

Brew joined GS&P in 2004 and has nearly 15 years of structural engineering experience. He has worked with the firm’s Aviation, Transportation, Corporate + Urban Design, Industrial and Healthcare markets on various projects, including the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the award winning TDOT SR-254/Otter Creek ABC Bridge and the on-going Rutherford County Judicial Center. In addition to TSPE, Brew is also a member of the Tennessee Structural Engineers Association and the Tennessee Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He was named “Outstanding Practitioner Advisor” in 2013 and “Outstanding Younger Member in Community Activities” in 2014 by the ASCE Eastern Region and “Young Engineer of the Year” in 2016 by the ASCE Nashville Branch. Brew is a graduate of Tennessee State University where he earned both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering.

TSPE is the state society of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). It is a professional association with more than 1,000 members comprised of professional engineers, engineering associates, engineering interns and engineering students. The organization promotes the ethical and competent practice of engineering and advocates licensure to enhance the engineering profession and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. TSPE is organized geographically into seven local chapters, while an elected board of directors conducts the business of the society.]]>Thu, 01 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreshamSmithAndPartnersNewsCorporateUrbanDesign/~3/mWgN7PHMSz0/gs-amp-p-rsquo-s-john-brew-named-young-engineer-of
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“Schneider Electric is a leading global specialist in energy management and automation, and we believe our new regional office reflects our company’s industry-leading image,” said Ted Klee, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain North America at Schneider Electric. “80% of our Nashville staff is now free-address, and GS&P’s design was integral to helping us make that successful transition. The space has revitalized our office environment and provides both staff and guests with state-of-the-art facilities that inspire us and give us the tools we need to continue innovating.”

"Schneider’s mission to create connected technologies that reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives was the foundation of our team’s design,” commented Amy Klinefelter, IIDA, LEED AP, interior designer at Gresham, Smith and Partners. “We were committed to client engagement throughout the process, and we worked hard to design a state-of-the-art space utilizing Schneider’s own technology. Their employees are now enjoying the collaborative layout, ample daylight and vibrant aesthetic throughout the office. It’s truly a workplace of the future, and we’re confident it will serve them well for many years to come.”

The space includes a reception and concierge area, innovation hub showcasing Schneider’s latest technology, data center, training facilities, formal and informal meeting spaces, multipurpose work cafes, and a range of workstations to accommodate the varying workstyles of the company’s 800+ Nashville-area employees. Workstations can be checked out for the day, and phone rooms and offices are also available for more focused work. Collaborative areas are dispersed throughout the floors for impromptu team meetings. Additional features include communicating stairs to encourage movement between floors, a movable wall system and electric-vehicle charging stations.

Green lines along the floor, walls and ceilings provide visual continuity throughout the space and represent Schneider’s commitment to connectivity. Because of Schneider’s innovations in energy management and automation, lighting is also a focus of the design. Large-scale feature lights are incorporated throughout the floors, and modern light fixtures with decorative rings mimic the “on” symbol in Schneider’s “Life is On” tagline. Sustainability features include daylight harvesting, energy-efficient lighting controls, and Schneider’s own proprietary building utility monitoring equipment and software.]]>Wed, 28 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreshamSmithAndPartnersNewsCorporateUrbanDesign/~3/-R8h6BDPVJY/gs-amp-p-designed-schneider-electric-regional-offi
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“GS&P is committed to supporting the vitality of our communities – both through our design efforts as well as the support of our time and resources for others in need. I’m proud of our employees for honoring that pledge this holiday season,” commented Al Pramuk, chairman and CEO, Gresham, Smith and Partners. “The culture of our firm over the last 50 years includes a desire to connect and give something back to the communities in which we live and work.”

Many of the firm’s offices bought gifts for children and families, hoping to brighten the holiday season. The firm’s Midtown Atlanta office donated to the Atlanta Mission’s Day Shelter, the Baton Rouge office donated to Brave Heart – Children in Need and Louisville employees partnered with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Staff in the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami offices bought presents for local school children, while Nashville’s Marketing team and the Tampa office adopted families through local organizations. Jackson employees delivered stockings to Hope House of Hospitality and Richmond staffers participated in the American Institute of Architects Richmond Chapter’s holiday drive.

Staff also volunteered their time at events in their communities. Employees in the firm’s Tampa office participated in the “We Care” event at the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay, partnering with fellow design professionals to help children complete craft projects. Baton Rouge staff participated in the Baton Rouge Big Buddy Program’s gingerbread house contest, while employees in the firm’s Nashville office prepared meals at the Nashville Food Project.]]>Fri, 12 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreshamSmithAndPartnersNewsCorporateUrbanDesign/~3/FfFxqKXKAPE/gs-amp-p-employees-spread-holiday-cheer-in-local-c
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